سیرتی کان بر وجودت غالب است ** هم بر آن تصویر حشرت واجب است
The manner of acting that preponderates in your nature—in that same form you must needs rise (from the dead).
ساعتی گرگی در آید در بشر ** ساعتی یوسف رخی همچون قمر1420
At one hour a wolf enters into Man, at another hour a moon-like beauty with the face of Joseph.
میرود از سینهها در سینهها ** از ره پنهان صلاح و کینهها
Good and hateful qualities pass from bosoms into bosoms by a hidden way;
بلکه خود از آدمی در گاو و خر ** میرود دانایی و علم و هنر
Nay, indeed, wisdom and knowledge and excellence pass from Man into the ox and the ass.
اسب سکسک میشود رهوار و رام ** خرس بازی میکند بر هم سلام
The stumbling (restive) horse becomes smooth-paced and docile; the bear dances, the goat also salaams.
رفت اندر سگ ز آدمیان هوس ** تا شبان شد یا شکاری یا حرس
Volition has passed from human beings into the dog, so that he has become a shepherd or a hunter or a guardian (of the house).
در سگ اصحاب خوبی ز ان وفود ** رفت تا جویای الله گشته بود1425
Into the dog of the Companions (of the Cave) there passed from those comers (to the Cave) a (moral) disposition, so that he had become a seeker of God.
هر زمان در سینه نوعی سر کند ** گاه دیو و گه ملک گه دام و دد
At every moment a (different) species bursts up in the breast: now a devil, and now an angel, now wild beasts.
ز آن عجب بیشه که شیر آگه است ** تا به دام سینهها پنهان ره است
From that marvellous jungle, where is (dwells) the wise Lion, there is a hidden way to the breasts which ensnare (the spiritual prey).
دزدیی کن از درون مرجان جان ** ای کم از سگ از درون عارفان
O you who are less than a dog, steal the spiritual pearl from within—from within (the breasts of) them that know God.